5 things to do this weekend

This weekend, take time out to experience another culture at one of several festivals or go prehistoric by checking out a herd of animatronic dinosaurs.

Jo Ann Kirby

This weekend, take time out to experience another culture at one of several festivals or go prehistoric by checking out a herd of animatronic dinosaurs.

Take a sanctuary tour, purchase Japanese food, listen to live music, watch folk dancing, check out martial arts demonstrations and play games.

What: 2014 Buddhist Church of Lodi Obon Festival

When: noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Buddhist Church of Lodi, 23 N. Stockton St., Lodi

Admission: Free

Information: (209) 368-5589 or lodibuddhist.org

Prehistoric times come back to life with an animatronic 20-foot tall T-Rex, a Triceratops, Stegosaurus and more than 40 other dinos. There are also rides, mini golf and other attractions such as a dino dig.

Be prepared to dance and enjoy live music as Department of Rock performs classic rock. Food and wine is available for purchase.

What: Groovin' in the Grove

When: Saturday; doors open at 6 p.m., concert starts at 7 p.m.

Where: Jessie's Grove Winery, 1973 W. Turner Road, Lodi

Admission: $25-$27

Information: (209) 368-0880

Celebrate all things Italian with a bambini zone feature puppet showes, story time, face painting and bounce houses. Check out an Italian Market Place for shopping. Learn to play bocce. Enjoy live music and dance. Sip local wines and Italian beer.

What: Festa Italiana

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Where: Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club, 4343 N. Ashley Lane, Stockton

Admission: $5-$7

Information: www.festa-italiana.com

The Home Church is marking Independence Day early! Celebrate faith, family and freedom with the whole family at the Home Church's Freedom Festival. There's a car show, water slides, carnival rides, and a row of food booths. The celebration ends with fireworks.